From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Collegium System
Why in the News?
The Union government has said that 219 proposals for the appointment of High Court judges by the Collegium are in various stages of processing.
What is Collegium System?
The collegium system is the method used for the appointment and transfer of judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts of India.
It is the Indian Supreme Court’s invention.
The term ‘Collegium’ does not find mention in the Constitution.
Constitutional Provisions:
Article 124: The President appoints the Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court after consultations with judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts as deemed necessary.
Article 217: The President appoints High Court judges after consultations with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the state, and the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned
Composition:
Supreme Court Collegium:
A five-member body.
Headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Includes the four other senior most judges of the Supreme Court at that time.
High Court Collegium:
Led by the Chief Justice of the respective High Court.
Includes the two senior most judges of that High Court.
Recommendations for appointments by a High Court collegium are sent to the government only after approval by the CJI and the Supreme Court collegium.
Evolution: Three Judges Cases
First Judges Case (1981) ruled that the “consultation” with the CJI in the matter of appointments must be full and effective.
The Supreme Court, in a majority decision, held that the opinion of the Chief Justice of India is not binding on the executive in the matter of appointments and transfers of judges. The court ruled that the executive has primacy in judicial appointments.
Second Judges Case (1993) introduced the Collegium system, holding that “consultation” really meant “concurrence”.
The Supreme Court, by a majority of 7:2, overruled the First Judges Case and held that the CJI’s opinion regarding judicial appointments and transfers should be given primacy.
The court established that the CJI should consult with the two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court before making recommendations for appointments and transfers, thereby creating a collegium system.
Third Judges Case (1998): On a Presidential Reference for its opinion, the Supreme Court, in the Third Judges Case (1998) expanded the Collegium to a five-member body, comprising the CJI and four of his senior-most colleagues.
The procedure followed by the Collegium:
Appointment of CJI
The President of India appoints the CJI and the other SC judges.
As far as the CJI is concerned, the outgoing CJI recommends his successor.
In practice, it has been strictly by seniority ever since the supersession controversy of the 1970s.
The Union Law Minister forwards the recommendation to the PM who, in turn, advises the President.
Other SC Judges:
For other judges of the top court, the proposal is initiated by the CJI.
The CJI consults the rest of the Collegium members, as well as the senior-most judge of the court hailing from the High Court to which the recommended person belongs.
The consultees must record their opinions in writing and it should form part of the file.
The Collegium sends the recommendation to the Law Minister, who forwards it to the Prime Minister to advise the President.
For High Courts:
The CJs of High Courts are appointed as per the policy of having Chief Justices from outside the respective States. The Collegium takes the call on the elevation.
High Court judges are recommended by a Collegium comprising the CJI and two senior-most judges.
The proposal, however, is initiated by the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned in consultation with two senior-most colleagues.
The recommendation is sent to the Chief Minister, who advises the Governor to send the proposal to the Union Law Minister.
Qualifications for Appointment as a Supreme Court Judge:
According to Article 124(3) of the Constitution, a person can be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court if he or she:
Is a citizen of India.
Has served as a judge of a High Court for at least five years or in two such courts in succession.
Alternatively, has been an advocate of a High Court for at least ten years or in two or more such courts in succession.
Is a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President.
Qualifications for Appointment as a High Court Judge:
The person must have held a judicial office for at least 10 years in India, or
Must have been a practising advocate in a High Court for at least 10 years.
The person must be enrolled under the Bar Council of India.
PYQ:
[2012] What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?
While appointing the Supreme Court Judges, the President of India has to consult the Chief Justice of India.
The Supreme Court Judges can be removed by the Chief Justice of India only.
The salaries of the Judges are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India to which the legislature does not have to vote.
All appointments of officers and staffs of the Supreme Court of India are made by the Government only after consulting the Chief Justice of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Charaideo Moidam, UNESCO World Heritages
Why in the News?
The Charaideo Moidams, a unique 700-year-old mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty from Assam, has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
About Charaideo Moidams
The Charaideo moidams represents the late medieval(13th-19th century CE) mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahom community in Assam.
Charaideo, more than 400 km east of Guwahati, was the first capital of the Ahom dynasty founded by Chao Lung Sukaphaa in 1253.
The Ahoms preferred to place the deceased family members at Charaideo where the first king Sukapha was laid to rest.
The historical chronicles inform that wives, attendants, pet animals and huge quantity of valuables were buried with the departed kings.
After 18th century, the Ahom rulers adopted the Hindumethod of cremation and began entombing the cremated bones and ashes in a Maidam at Charaideo.
Out of 386 Maidams explored so far, 90 royal burials at Charaideo are the best preserved, representative of and the most complete examples of mound burial tradition of the Ahoms.
Architecture details:
Architecturally it comprises a massive underground vault with one or more chambers having domical superstructure.
It is covered by a heap of earthen mound and externally it appears a hemispherical mound.
At the top of the mound, a small open pavilion chow-chali is provided.
An octagonal dwarf wall encloses whole maidam.
Significance of this addition:
Moidams has become the 43rd property from India to be included in the UNESCO List.
India now stands at the 6th position globally for the most number of World Heritage Properties.
The Moidams are the first site from the North East to be recognized as a World Heritage Site in the cultural category.
Assam has 2 other World Heritage Sites in the natural category: Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park, both upgraded to tiger reserves.
Who were the Ahoms?
The Ahom, also known as the Tai-Ahom, are an ethnic group from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India.
This ethnic group is made up of interbred descendants of the Tai people, who first came to Assam’s Brahmaputra valley in 1228, and indigenous people who later joined them.
The current Ahom people and culture are a mix of the ancient Tai people and culture, as well as indigenous Tibeto-Burman people and cultures that they assimilated in Assam.
Sukaphaa, the Tai group’s leader, and his 9000 supporters founded the Ahom empire (1228–1826 CE), which ruled over part of modern-day Assam’s Brahmaputra Valley until 1826.
It retained sovereignty for 600 years until annexed by British India in 1826 (Treaty of Yandaboo).
Lachit Borphukan (1622-1672) is the most celebrated ruler of Ahom Dynasty.
Back2Basics:UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites
Aspect
Details
Definition
Sites of outstanding cultural or natural value to humanity, are protected under the UNESCO Convention of 1972.
Classification
Cultural Heritage Sites: Historic buildings, archaeological sites, monumental sculptures/paintings.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cassini-Huygens Mission, Titan
Why in the News?
US space agency NASA’s Cassini-Huygens spacecraft launched in October 1997.
Using Cassini’s radar data, scientists from Cornell University have discovered new information about the liquid ocean on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon.
Observations made about Titan
Titan is composed ofhydrocarbons – organic chemicals consisting of carbon and hydrogen.
The astronomers have reportedly located calm seas of methane with a slow tidal current.
About Cassini-Huygens Mission
The Cassini-Huygens mission was a collaborative project between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to explore Saturn and its moons.
The spacecraft was named after astronomers Giovanni Cassini and Christian Huygens.
The mission consisted of the Cassini orbiter and the Huygens probe.
It was launched on October 15, 1997.
It ended its mission on September 15, 2017 by plunging into Saturn’s atmosphere.
Key Achievements:
Saturn Exploration:
Detailed study of Saturn’s atmosphere, rings, and magnetosphere.
Discovered new rings and observed the complex structure of the existing ones.
Moons of Saturn:
Titan Exploration: Huygens probe successfully landed on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, on January 14, 2005, providing the first direct exploration of Titan’s surface and atmosphere.
Enceladus Discoveries: Found water-ice plumes erupting from Enceladus, indicating a subsurface ocean that could potentially harbor life.
Other Moons: Provided detailed images and data on other moons like Lapetus, Rhea, Dione, and Tethys.
Technological Milestones:
Demonstrated the success of long-duration missions in deep space.
Advanced the understanding of spacecraft navigation and operation in complex planetary environments.
PYQ:
[2014] Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?
Spacecraft
Purpose
1.
Cassini-Huygens
Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth
2.
Messenger
Mapping and investigating the Mercury
3.
Voyager 1 and 2
Exploring the outer solar system
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hema Commission Report on Women Safety
Why in the News?
A single bench of the Kerala High Court has stayed the release of the Justice Hema Commission report.
The report investigated women’s working conditions in the Malayalam film industry.
About the Assault that Exposed the Deep Gender Divide
On February 17, 2017, a leading Malayalam film actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in her car while traveling from Thrissur to Kochi.
The incident caused shock and outrage across Kerala as disturbing details emerged, including a video purportedly intended for blackmail.
Six of the ten accused were arrested quickly, and popular actor Dileep was named an accused and remanded to judicial custody in July. He is currently out on bail, with the trial ongoing since 2020.
Formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC)
The incident highlighted the discriminatory treatment faced by women in the film industry.
The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) was formed in response, submitting a petition to the Chief Minister demanding an inquiry into gender issues in the industry.
The Hema Commission
In July 2017, five months after the incident, the state government formed a 3-member committee headed by retired Kerala High Court judge, Justice K Hema.
The committee’s objective was to investigate issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry.
In December 2019, a 300-page report was submitted to the CM Pinarayi Vijayan, including documents, audio, and video evidence.
Findings and Recommendations
The commission consulted multiple women professionals in the industry, recording detailed accounts of sexual harassment, wages earned, and possible blacklisting.
The report highlighted the existence of a casting couch, and the presence of alcohol and drugs on film sets.
The commission recommended forming a tribunal to investigate these allegations.
Other recommendations included making job contracts mandatory, ensuring wage parity across genders for the same job, banning drugs and liquor on shooting locations, and ensuring safe working conditions for women.
PYQ:
[2010] Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:
Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc., whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self-Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[2014] We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Comparison of Indian Constitution
Why in the News?
On July 14, K. P. Sharma Oli was sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister for the fourth time, leading a new coalition government.
Since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, Nepal has had 14 governments despite a new constitution in 2015 promising progress.
Evolution of Nepal’s Constitution
1948: The Government of Nepal Act was the first attempt at creating a constitution.
1951: The Interim Government of Nepal Act aimed to establish democracy but was replaced in 1959.
1959: Introduced a multi-party system, but the Panchayat Constitution of 1962 established a party-less system under King Mahendra.
1990: A constitutional monarchy restored the multi-party system.
2007: An Interim Constitution was adopted after continued political upheavals.
2015: The current constitution established Nepal as a federal democratic republic.
Comparing the Indian Constitution and Nepal’s Constitution:
India
Nepal
Historical Background
Adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950.
Framed by the Constituent Assembly elected in 1946.
Current constitution promulgated on September 20, 2015.
Many attempts since 1948, 1951, 1959, 1962, 1990, and 2007.
Form of Government
Quasi-federal nature of the Indian constitution is described as a “Union of States” in Article 1. Other factors also talk about the quasi-federal like Emergency power and independent judiciary. etc
Parliamentary system with the President as the ceremonial head and the Prime Minister as the head of government.
Federal democratic republic.
Parliamentary system with the President as the ceremonial head and the Prime Minister as the executive head.
Structure of Government
Bicameral legislature: Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
Three levels of government: central, state, and local.
Bicameral legislature: House of Representatives and National Assembly.
Three levels of government: federal, provincial, and local.
Federal Structure
More centralized federal structure. The central government has significant authority over states.
Flexible to allow greater central control when necessary.
More decentralized federal structure. Greater autonomy to provinces.
Includes seven provinces, each with its own government and legislature.
Elections and Representation
First-past-the-post (FPTP) system for Lok Sabha elections. Representation through single-member constituencies and multi-party systems.
Mixed electoral system with both FPTP and proportional representation (PR). Ensures broader representation but leads to the proliferation of smaller parties.
Judiciary
The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority.
Ensures protection of fundamental rights and upholds the rule of law.
The Supreme Court of Nepal is the highest judicial body.
Interprets the Constitution and protects citizens’ rights. Aims to uphold the rule of law and safeguard fundamental rights.
Fundamental Rights and Duties
Comprehensive list of Fundamental Rights in Part III, including equality, freedom, religion, and constitutional remedies. Fundamental Duties in Part IV-A.
Extensive fundamental rights, covering civil, political, and socio-economic rights. Emphasizes affirmative action for marginalized groups.
Secularism and Religion
A secular state with no official religion which mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution.
The secular state was declared in the 2015 Constitution.
Protects religious freedom and promotes harmony among religious communities.
PYQ:
[2023] Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty.
[2022] Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.
[2021] Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Right to Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India.
[2021] Analyse the distinguishing features of the notion of Right to Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India.
[2020] The judicial systems in India and the UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices.
[2019] What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism?
[2018] India and the USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Regional Medical Research Centre for North East has developed the “world’s cheapest CRISPR Cas-based TB testing system”.
Back2Basics: CRISPR-Cas9 Technology
CRISPR-Cas9 stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9.
It is a technology that allows geneticists and researchers to edit parts of the genome by altering sections of the DNA sequence.
Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna’s work on CRISPR-Cas9 as a ‘molecular scissor’ earned them the 2020 Nobel Prize in chemistry.
The system consists of two key components:
Cas9: This is the enzyme that acts like a pair of molecular scissors. It is responsible for cutting the DNA strand at a specific location, allowing for the removal, addition, or alteration of DNA at that site.
Guide RNA (gRNA): This is a piece of RNA that is designed to find and bind to a specific sequence of DNA that matches its code. The gRNA guides the Cas9 enzyme to the exact spot in the genome where an edit is desired.
Mechanism:
The process begins with the design of a gRNA that matches the DNA sequence where an edit is needed.
Once inside the cell, the Cas9 enzyme and the gRNA form a complex that can identify and bind to the target DNA sequence.
The Cas9 then cuts the DNA at this location.
After the DNA is cut, the cell’s natural repair mechanisms can be harnessed to add or remove genetic material, or to make specific changes to the DNA.
Applications: Used for gene editing to correct genetic disorders, develop targeted cancer therapies, enhance diagnostics for infectious diseases, and create personalized medicine approaches.
About theNew TB Detection System
The system can detect TB bacteria using DNA from a patient’s saliva at a very low cost.
Specific DNA sequences unique to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacteria causing TB) are identified.
It can identify the bacteria in preliminary stages and test over 1,500 samples simultaneously within approximately two hours.
The technology is simple enough to be used in primary health centres in villages.
TB Situation in India:
TB kills an estimated 480,000 Indiansannually, or over 1,400 patients every day.
India has more than amillion ‘missing’ TB cases each year, which remain undiagnosed or inadequately diagnosed and treated in the private sector.
National Goals for Elimination of TB:
Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (2022): It is stipulated to meet the goal of ending the TB epidemic by 2025 from the country, five years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for 2030.
Nikshay Poshan Yojana (2018): Launched in 2018, this scheme provides nutritional support to TB patients. Under this scheme, TB patients receive a direct benefit transfer (DBT) of Rs. 500 per month to purchase food.
PYQ:
[2019] What is Cas9 Protein that is often mentioned in news?
(a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing
(b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients
(c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant
(d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops
[2014] Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Typhoon Gaemi
Why in the News?
After making landfall in the Philippines, Typhoon Gaemi is heading towards Taiwan.
What is a Typhoon?
A typhoon is a mature tropical cyclone that forms in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, primarily between 100°E and 180°E.
It is characterised by strong winds, and heavy rain, and can cause significant damage due to high wind speeds, storm surges, and flooding.
Factors causing its formation:
It needs sustained ocean temperatures of 26.5°C or higher.
High moisture content in the mid-troposphere.
Presence of the Coriolis force to initiate rotation.
Minimal vertical wind shear to allow for storm growth.
Atmospheric instability to promote rising motion and thunderstorm activity.
An initial low-pressure area or tropical wave to trigger development.
Formation Regions: Northwest Pacific Ocean in areas east of the Philippines, southeast of Japan, and near Taiwan; South China Sea and in Western North Pacific near the Mariana Islands and Guam.
Note: Typhoons do not form in the South Atlantic Ocean and the southeastern Pacific Ocean because of cooler sea surface temperatures and higher wind shear in those regions.
PYQ:
[2015] In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the reason?
(a) Sea surface temperatures are low
(b) Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs
(c) Coriolis force is too weak
(d) Absence of land in those regions
Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 21, Article 19(1)(e), Right to Shelter
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court emphasised the need to balance railway infrastructure development in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, with the fundamental right to shelter nearly 50,000 people accused of illegally encroaching on railway land.
What was the Case?
The hearing was based on an application filed by the Railways seeking to modify a January 2023 Supreme Court order.
The order had stayed a Uttarakhand HC direction to evict the families within a week, even using paramilitary forces.
The application pointed out that the Ghaula River flood has disrupted railway operations in the region and that more land was urgently needed to lay new tracks.
What is the Right to Shelter?
The right to shelter is derived from the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty.
Article 19(1)(e) provides the Right to reside and settlein any part of the territory of India.
Judicial pronouncements related to it:
Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation(1985): The Supreme Court recognized the right to livelihood as a part of the right to life under Article 21.
Chameli Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh(1996): The Supreme Court declared that the right to shelter is a fundamental right under Article 21. It includes adequate living space, safe and decent structures, clean surroundings, light, air, water, electricity, and sanitation.
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation v. Nawab Khan Gulab Khan(1997): The Supreme Court directed the state to construct affordable houses for the poor, reiterating the state’s duty to provide shelter and make the right to life meaningful.
Various Legislations supporting the Right to Shelter:
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006
The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
The Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act, 1956
PYQ:
[2021] Consider the following statements :
‘Right to the City’ is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard.
‘Right to the City’ gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city.
‘Right to the City’ means that the State cannot deny any public service or facility to the unauthorized colonies in the city.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Climate Finance Taxonomy
Why in the News?
The 2024 Union Budget, presented by Finance Minister, includes developing a taxonomy for climate finance.
The aim is to enhance the availability of capital for climate adaptation and mitigation.
What is a Climate Finance Taxonomy?
A climate finance taxonomy is a classification system that identifies which economic activities can be marketed as sustainable investments.
It serves as a guide for investors and financial institutions to direct capital towards projects that contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation, aligning with broader environmental goals.
Significance of a Climate Finance Taxonomy
Net-Zero Economy: With global temperatures rising and the adverse effects of climate change worsening, countries need to transition to a net-zero economy.
Alignment with Transition Pathways: Taxonomies help ascertain if economic activities are aligned with credible, science-based transition pathways.
Deployment of Climate Capital: They provide an impetus for the deployment of climate capital by directing investments towards sustainable projects.
Reduction of Greenwashing Risks: Taxonomies help reduce the risks of greenwashing by providing clear criteria for what constitutes a sustainable investment.
Why does India need a Green Taxonomy?
According to the IFC, India needs an estimated $10.1 trillionto achieve net-zero by 2070.
Public investments alone can’t match this goal, calling for standardization in investments.
Benefits for India
For India, a taxonomy could attract more climate funds from international sources.
Currently, green finance flows in India are falling short of the country’s needs, accounting for only around 3% of total FDI inflows, according to the Landscape of Green Finance in India 2022 report by the Climate Policy Initiative.
A lack of clarity on what constitutes sustainable activity is a significant reason for the low green finance flows. A taxonomy would address this issue.
India’s Climate Commitments:
India aims to achieve a net-zeroeconomyby 2070.
The country has pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, compared to the 2005 level.
India has also committed to achieving about 50% of its cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
Steps taken by India:
In January 2021, India established a task force on sustainable finance under the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance.
The task force’s objectives include creating a framework for sustainable finance, establishing pillars for a sustainable finance roadmap, suggesting a draft taxonomy of sustainable activities, and creating a framework of risk assessment by the financial sector.
In April 2021, the RBI joined the Central Banks and Supervisors Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) as a member.
RBI is also a member of a task force on climate-related financial risks set up by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the International Platform on Sustainable Finance.
Potential for Green Investments in India
According to a report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), India has a climate-smart investment potential of $3.1 trillion from 2018 to 2030.
The largest investment opportunity lies in the electric vehicle segment, with a potential of $667 billion as India aims to electrify all new vehicles by 2030.
The renewable energy sector also presents a substantial investment opportunity, estimated at $403.7 billion.
International Adoption of Taxonomies
Many countries have either started developing or have finalized their taxonomies.
Countries with developed taxonomies include South Africa, Colombia, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Canada, and Mexico.
The European Union has also developed its own taxonomy.
PYQ:
[2016] With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?
The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN, and it will go into effect in 2017.
The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2ºC or even 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels.
Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Angel Tax
Why in the News?
Finance Minister announced the abolition of the angel tax, aiming to strengthen the startup ecosystem and support innovation in India.
What is Angel Investment?
An angel investor is an individual who provides financial backing to early-stage startups or entrepreneurs, typically in exchange for equity in the company.
Angel investors are typically high-net-worth individuals who invest their own personal funds, rather than investing on behalf of a firm or institution.
Features of Angel Investing: Early-stage funding, equity investment, high-risk, high-reward, active involvement,personal investment,f lexible terms and shorter investment horizon.
What is Angel Tax?
Referred to as Angel Tax, this rule is described in Section 56(2)(vii)(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Essentially it’s a tax on capital receipts, unique to India in the global context.
This clause was inserted by the Finance Actin 2012 to prevent laundering of black money, round-tripping via investments with a large premium into unlisted companies.
The tax covers investment in any private business entity, but only in 2016 was it applied to startups.
Why was angel tax introduced?
The complicated nature of VC fundraisingwith offshore entities, multiple limited partners and blind pools is contentious.
There has been some element of money laundering or round-tripping under guise.
Details of its levy
The Angel Tax is being levied on startups at 9% on net investments in excess of the fair market value.
For angel investors, the amount of investment that exceeds the fair market value can be claimed for a 100% tax exemption.
However, the investor must have a net worth of ₹2 crores or an income of more than ₹25 Lakh in the past 3 fiscal years.
Key Issues with Angel Tax
Share Valuation: The tax impacted the valuation of shares, causing complications for startups in raising funds.
Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Method: Issues arose with the treatment of estimated figures in the DCF method, leading to disputes.
Scrutiny of Funding Sources: The scrutiny of funding sources and investor credibility added another layer of complexity for startups.
Retrospective Application: The retrospective application of the tax and its effect on the conversion of convertible instruments into equity were also significant points of dispute.
Significance for the Startup Community
Startups has long advocated for a more supportive and less restrictive environment for fundraising.
With this change, the government aims to create a more favourable atmosphere for innovation and investment in India.
PYQ:
[2014] What does venture capital mean?
(a) A short-term capital provided to industries.
(b) A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs.
(c) Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses.
(d) Funds provided for replacement and renovation of industries.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Vishnupad and Mahabodhi Temples; Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Why in the News?
Finance Minister announced during her Union Budget speech that corridor projects will be built for the Vishnupad Temple at Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
These will be modelled on the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, to transform them into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations.
About the Vishnupad Temple at Gaya
Details
Dedicated to
Lord Vishnu
Significance
Contains a 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu; considered sacred in Hinduism; attracts pilgrims for “Pind Daan” rituals.
Historical Importance
Believed to be over 1000 years old; associated with various legends and historical references in Hindu texts.
Architecture
Built in Shikhara style;
Features intricate carvings and silver-plated flagposts;
Constructed of grey granite blocks.
Built by
Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1787.
Festivals and Rituals
Major site for “Pind Daan” rituals during Pitru Paksha;
Attracts thousands of pilgrims during this period.
Mythology
The footprint is believed to be where Lord Vishnu placed his foot to subdue the demon Gayasur.
Associated River
Located on the banks of the Phalgu River, considered sacred for ritual offerings.
Access and Visitation
Accessible year-round; major pilgrimage site with facilities for devotees.
Recent Developments
Ongoing efforts for preservation and restoration; improved infrastructure for pilgrims.
About the Mahabodhi Temple Complex:
Details
Location
Bodh Gaya, Bihar;
Significance
Marks the location where Buddha attained enlightenment
UNESCO Status
World Heritage Site since 2002
Historical Importance
One of the four holy sites related to Buddha’s life (Enlightenment).
Other holy sites: Lumbini (Birth) in Nepal, Sarnath (First Sermon) in Uttar Pradesh, Kushinagar (Death) in Uttar Pradesh
Original Construction
Built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka around 260 BCE
Reconstruction
Reconstructed in brick during the late Gupta period (5th or 6th centuries)
Archaeological Finds
Indicates site of veneration since the Mauryan period.
Vajrasana (Diamond Throne): Located within the temple, dated to the third century BCE
Main Temple Structure
Dates from the 6th century CE, incorporates parts from 2nd or 3rd century CE
Architectural Features
Two large shikhara towers, the largest over 55 meters high
Influenced Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist architecture globally
Materials
Made mostly of brick covered with stucco
Bodhi Tree
Direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment
Traditional Accounts
Describes 7 weeks Buddha spent meditating after enlightenment at various spots within the complex
Decline and Revival
Declined after Huna invasions and early Islamic invasions.
Revived under the Pala Empire (8th-12th century).
Declined again after 12th century CE invasions by Turk armies.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: U-WIN
Why in the News?
The government plans to roll out U-WIN, an online vaccine management portal for childhood vaccination, across the country.
Similar to CoWIN used during the Covid-19 pandemic, U-WIN aims to digitize and individualize immunization records from birth.
What is U-WIN?
Children up to 6 yearsold and pregnant mothers are registered on U-WIN using government IDs like Aadhaar and their mobile phone numbers.
Records of all 25 shotsgiven to a child and the two given to pregnant mothers are added to the platform.
It’s Working:
The platform generates a color-coded vaccination certificate.
The digital vaccine certificate can be downloaded by parents using their registered mobile numbers, eliminating the need for a physical vaccination booklet.
After each shot is administered and recorded, the date is added to the card, which also shows the due date for the next set of vaccines.
U-WIN sends SMS reminders to parents before their children are due for the next dose.
U-WIN helps locate thenearest vaccination center and book available slots.
Significance:
1) For providing Immunization:
U-WIN’s reminders to parents are likely to improve compliance with vaccination schedules.
The platform ensures portability, allowing children to receive their doses anywhere in the country, particularly benefiting children of migrant workers.
Registration at birth may help reduce the number of “zero dose” children, those who have not received any vaccinations.
2) For Health Workers:
The platform can automatically generate a due list of children in specific areas for health workers.
These data points can be utilized by other government programs and eventually connected through the ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) ID.
Integration with Existing Systems
U-WIN will link to the government’s existing eVIN platform for inventory management.
eVIN tracks all vaccine vials, from central stores to each vaccination site, monitoring doses used, wasted, and returned, and tracks real-time temperature and humidity using sensors.
U-WIN runs on the same principles and digital infrastructure as CoWIN, making adoption straightforward.
Most vaccinators are familiar with similar platforms, ensuring a smooth transition.
Zero Dose Children
In India, the coverage of the first dose of diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT)-containing vaccine is taken as the proxy for zero dose children.
Data from WHO and UNICEF showed that while 93% of children received their first vaccine dose, there were still 1.6 million zero dose children in India in 2023.
The data also showed that 1.6 million children missed their first measles-containing vaccine in 2023, up from 1.1 million the previous year.
This is concerning as in 2022, five states — Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra — reported a rise in the incidence of measles.
PYQ:
[2016] ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:
(a) Immunization of children and pregnant women
(b) Construction of smart cities across the country
(c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rogue Waves
Why in the News?
Rogue waves, unusually large waves compared to those before and after them, pose significant threats to ships, coastal and offshore infrastructure, and human lives.
Until now, there has been no method to forecast rogue waves.
What Are Rogue Waves?
Rogue waves are unusually large and unpredictable waves that are much larger than the surrounding waves.
They are often defined as waves that are at least twice the height of the surrounding waves.
Formation:
Rogue waves can form when swells from distant weather systems converge to create a single, amplified wave.
They may also form when ocean currents compress swells, creating strong, high waves.
Features:
Traditionally, rogue waves have been difficult to predict due to their sudden appearance and rare occurrence.
The lack of real-time forecasting methods has made it challenging to mitigate their impact effectively.
What is Sea State?
In oceanography, sea state refers to the condition of the surface of a large body of water at a specific location and time.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) sea state code characterizes sea state based on wave height on a scale of 0 (no waves) to 9 (waves over 14 meters).
Characteristics:
Unlike typical waves, rogue waves can appear suddenly and without warning.
They defy the average sea state, making them exceptionally dangerous.
Threats Posed by Rogue Waves:
(1) Shipping
For Ships and Vessels: Rogue waves pose a significant threat to ships and other vessels at sea. Their unexpected and massive size can lead to capsizing or severe damage.
For Offshore Infrastructure: Oil rigs, wind turbines, and other offshore structures can be heavily damaged or destroyed by rogue waves.
(2) Coastal Threats
Coastal Erosion: The sheer force of rogue waves can lead to accelerated coastal erosion, affecting beaches and shorelines.
Flooding: Rogue waves can cause sudden and severe coastal flooding, posing risks to coastal communities and ecosystems.
(3) Human Safety
Loss of Life: Rogue waves have been responsible for numerous fatalities. Between 2011 and 2018, rogue waves killed at least 386 people.
Property Damage: The impact of rogue waves on ships, coastal areas, and offshore structures can result in significant financial losses.
Advancements in Forecasting
University of Maryland mathematicians Thomas Breunung and Balakumar Balachandran have developed an artificial intelligence program capable of forecasting rogue waves.
The AI program was trained using billions of data points collected by a network of 172 ocean buoys.
The researchers analyzed 20-minute long samples recorded by ocean buoys.
PYQ:
[2017] At one of the places in India, if you stand on the seashore and watch the sea, you will find that the sea water recedes from the shore line a few kilometres and comes back to the shore, twice a day, and you can actually walk on the sea floor when the water recedes. This unique phenomenon is seen at:
Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 361 and its various sub-sections
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea seeking to redefine the constitutional immunity of state Governors.
Article 361 of the Constitution shields the President and Governors from criminal prosecution and judicial scrutiny.
The Supreme Court will interpret whether the immunity includes the registration of an FIR, initiation of a preliminary inquiry, or a magistrate taking cognisance of an offence.
Origins of Governor’s Immunity
The concept of immunity is based on the Latin maxim “rex non potest peccare” (the king can do no wrong), rooted in English legal traditions.
During the Constituent Assembly debates in 1949, member H. V. Kamath questioned whether immunity meant no proceedings could be instituted against the President or Governor during their term or only while they were in office.
The article was adopted without further debate on criminal immunity.
What are immunities under Article 361?
According to Article 361(1), the President or a Governor is not answerable to any court for the exercise of their powers and duties.
Article 361(2) ensures that NO criminal proceedings can be initiated or continued against the President or Governor during their term.
Article 361(3)prohibits the arrest or imprisonment of the President or Governor while they are in office.
Article 361(4) states that civil lawsuits for personal acts against the President or Governor cannot be initiated during their term and can only proceed two months after a written notice is given post-term.
Judicial Interpretations of Article 361:
Dr SC Barat and Anr vs. Hari Vinayak Pataskar Case (1961): Distinguished between the Governor’s official and personal actions. While official actions have complete immunity, civil proceedings for personal acts can proceed with prior notice.
Rameshwar Prasad vs. Union of India Case (2006): The Supreme Court recognized “complete immunity” for constitutional actions under Article 361(1), but allowed judicial review for actions taken with malicious intent.
Vyapam Scam Case (2015): The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that Governor Ram Naresh Yadav had absolute protection under Article 361(2), preventing his name from being included in the investigation to avoid undue legal harassment.
State of UP vs. Kalyan Singh Case (2017): The Supreme Court upheld that Kalyan Singh, while serving as Governor of Rajasthan, was immune under Article 361. Legal proceedings related to the Babri Masjid demolition were to resume after his term.
Telangana High Court Judgment (2024): Observed that the Constitution does not explicitly or implicitly bar judicial review of actions taken by a Governor, and stated that Article 361 immunity is personal and does not exclude judicial review.
Case for Revisiting Immunity
The debate on executive immunity is ongoing in other countries as well.
The US Supreme Court recently decided that former President Donald Trump is entitled to “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution for official acts but not for unofficial or personal acts.
In India, the discussion is viewed within the larger context of the tension between Governors and opposition-ruled state governments.
The Supreme Court has noted instances where Governors acted with political motives.
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following statements:
No criminal proceedings shall be instituted against the Governor of a State in any court during his term of office.
The emoluments and allowances of the Governor of a State shall not be diminished during his term of office.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[2019] Which one of the following suggested that the Governor should be an eminent person from outside the State and should be a detached figure without intense political links or should not have taken part in politics in the recent past?
(a) First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966)
(b) Rajamannar Committee (1969)
(c) Sarkaria Commission (1983)
(d) National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Trends in India's GDP growth rate
Why in the News?
India’s economy is projected to grow at 6.5% to 7% in the fiscal year ending March 2025.
The Economic Survey for 2023-24 highlights the need to address inequality and unemployment as policy priorities.
Policy Recommendations by Chief Economic Adviser (CEA)
Regulatory Burdens: CEA V. Anantha Nageswaran advocates for Central and State governments to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses.
Corporate Responsibility: He urges the corporate sector to create productive jobs, emphasizing their responsibility in generating employment.
Various Challenges discussed
(1) Challenges in the IT Sector:
Slowdown in Hiring: The CEA notes a significant slowdown in IT sector hiring over the last two years.
AI and Labor: He encourages the industry to use AI to augment labor rather than replace workers.
(2) Skilling Initiatives
Addressing Inequality: The Economic Survey suggests steps to tackle inequality, improve health, and bridge the education-employment gap.
Skilling Reboot: A reboot of India’s skilling initiatives is proposed to provide the industry with people having the right attitude and skills.
(3) Corporate Sector and Economic Growth
Demand and Employment: The Survey emphasizes the benefits for corporates from higher demand generated by employment and income growth.
Warning against Short-Termism: It warns against “short-termism” which can weaken economic linkages.
(4) State Capacity and Consensus Building:
Enhancing State Capacity: Enhancing state capacity is critical for the strategy to work.
Need for Consensus: The CEA stresses the need for consensus between governments, businesses, and the social sectors for effective transformation.
(5) Land Acquisition and Investment Concerns:
Land Use Norms: While the Survey does not mention land acquisition reform, it highlights the need to deregulate land use norms and consolidate farmland holdings.
Investment Cautions: The Survey cautions about private capital formation being cautious due to fears of cheaper imports, indirectly referencing China.
(6) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Challenges:
Attracting FDI: Attracting FDI will be challenging due to higher interest rates and developed countries encouraging domestic investments through subsidies.
Addressing Uncertainties: Despite progress, uncertainties related to transfer pricing, taxes, and import duties need to be addressed.
Structural Reforms
Existing Reforms: Structural reforms such as GST and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code are delivering expected results.
Next-Gen Reforms: The Survey calls for “next-gen reforms” that are bottom-up in nature to achieve sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth.
Strategic Directions for Growth
Six-Pronged Strategy: The Survey outlines a six-pronged strategy for growth, emphasizing private sector investments and a fair share of income for workers.
Focus Areas: Other focus areas include financing the green transition, removing barriers for MSMEs, and implementing intelligent farmer-friendly policies.
Conclusion
Sustained Growth Potential: The economy can grow at over 7% on a sustained basis in the medium term by building on past reforms.
Tripartite Compact: Achieving this growth requires a tripartite compact between the Centre, States, and the private sector.
PYQ:
[2013] Economic growth in country X will necessarily have to occur if:
(a) There is technical progress in the world economy.
(b) There is population growth in X.
(c) There is capital formation in X.
(d) The volume of trade grows in the world economy.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Adoption of National Flag by Constituent Assembly
Why in the News?
On 22nd July in 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the National Flag.
PC: The Better India
About the National Flag Day
The Constituent Assembly met in New Delhi at 10 o’clock, chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
The Assembly had been meeting since December 9, 1946, discussing various subjects.
The Chair announced the first agenda item: “aMotion by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru about the Flag.”
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Resolution on National Flag
India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, moved the Resolution:
The National Flag of India shall be a horizontal tricolour of deep Saffron (Kesari), white, and dark green in equal proportion.
In the centre of the white band, there shall be a navy blue Wheel representing the Charkha.
The design of the Wheel is based on the Chakra from the Sarnath LionCapital of Ashoka.
The diameter of the Wheel approximates the width of the white band.
The ratio of the width to the length of the Flag shall be 2:3.
The motion was adopted unanimously by the Assembly.
Adoption by Popular Acclaim:
Nehru mentioned that the Flag was adopted by popular acclaim and sacrifice over the past decades.
Nehru clarified that the Flag was not meant to be seen in communal terms.
The design was intended to represent the spirit and tradition of India, grown over thousands of years.
Reactions and Support
There were no significant objections to Nehru’s Resolution.
Several members, including Seth Govind Das, V I Muniswami Pillai, Chaudhri Khaliquzzaman, S Radhakrishnan, Saiyid Mohammad Saadulla, Frank R Anthony, and Sarojini Naidu, paid tributes to the Flag and supported the Resolution.
H V Kamath suggested adding a Swastika inside the Chakra to symbolize peace but withdrew the amendment after seeing the Flag’s design.
Dr. P S Deshmukh preferred retaining the original tricolour with the Charkha but did not push his amendment, respecting the House’s preference.
Back2Basics: History of Our National Flag
First Public Display in Kolkata (1906):
The first national flag of India was hoisted on August 7, 1906, in Kolkata at Parsee Bagan Square (Green Park).
The flag had three horizontal stripes of red, yellow, and green, with “Vande Mataram” inscribed in the center.
Symbolism: The red stripe included symbols of the sun and a crescent moon, while the green stripe featured eight half-open lotuses.
The flag is believed to have been designed by freedom activists Sachindra Prasad Bose and Hemchandra Kanungo.
Indian Flag in Germany:
In 1907, Madame Cama and her group of exiled revolutionaries hoisted an Indian flag in Germany.
This event marked the first time the Indian flag was hoisted in a foreign country.
Home Rule Movement Flag:
Dr. Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak introduced a new flag in 1917 as part of the Home Rule Movement.
The flag featured alternate red and green horizontal stripes, with seven stars in the Saptarishi configuration.
It included a white crescent and star in one top corner, and the Union Jack in the other.
Version by Pingali Venkayya:
Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter, is credited with the design of the modern Indian tricolour.
Venkayya first met Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa during the second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).
He conducted extensive research and published a book in 1916 that included possible designs for the Indian flag.
At the All India Congress Committee in Bezwada in 1921, Venkayya proposed a basic flag design to Gandhi, featuring two bands of red and green to represent Hindus and Muslims.
PYQ:
[2014] The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Dyson Sphere
Why in the News?
Recently, astronomers have made progress in finding possible candidates as Dyson Sphere, sparking new excitement and debate about extraterrestrial life.
What is a Dyson Sphere?
Imagine you are an astronomer looking for extraterrestrial life and you find a star covered by solar panels. This structure, collecting massive amounts of solar energy, is known as a Dyson sphere.
The concept is named after Freeman Dyson, a theoretical physicist who lived from 1923 to 2020.
Dyson proposed that advanced civilizations would need to harness a star’s energy, constructing a spherical array of solar collectors around it.
He suggested that the heat emitted as infrared radiation could indicate the presence of these massive structures and thus intelligent life.
Who was Freeman Dyson (1923-2020)?
Dyson was a renowned British-American theoretical physicist and mathematician known for his work in quantum electrodynamics, solid-state physics, and astronomy.
Born on December 15, 1923, in England, he made significant contributions to science and technology, including the Dyson Sphere concept—a hypothetical structure that could encompass a star to capture its power output.
He was also a prominent futurist and author, exploring ideas on space travel, extraterrestrial life, and the future of humanity.
Dyson spent much of his career at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton and was known for his interdisciplinary approach to science.
PYQ:
[2015] The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of
(a) The limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth
(b) Regions inside the Earth-like planets in outer space
(c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) Search for meteorites containing precious metals
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
The markets regulator, SEBI, has proposed a new asset class designed to offer investment products positioned between mutual funds (MFs) and portfolio management services (PMS).
This new category aims to fill an opportunity gap for investors and offer greater flexibility in portfolio construction.
Note:
PMS provides customized investment solutions to high net-worth individuals (HNIs) with a minimum investment limit of Rs 50 lakh.
MFs, on the other hand, have a much lower minimum investment limit of just Rs 100, managed by a professional fund manager.
About the New Asset Class
The new asset class aims to provide an intermediate option with more flexibility in portfolio construction, helping investors avoid unregistered and unauthorized schemes.
It will have a risk-return profile between MFs and PMS, targeting investors with higher risk tolerance and larger investment amounts than those typical of MFs but lower than PMS.
The current range of investment products includes:
MF schemes: Focused on retail investors,
PMS: For HNIs, and
Alternative investment funds (AIF): For sophisticated investors.
How will investments in the new asset class work?
The new asset class will be introduced under the MF structure with necessary relaxations in prudential norms.
The minimum investment amount is proposed to be Rs 10 lakh per investor within the asset management company (AMC)/MF.
This high threshold is intended to deter retail investors while attracting those with investible funds between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 50 lakh.
Significance of the New Asset Class:
SEBI noted that the gap between investment opportunities in MFs and PMS has led some investors towards unauthorized investment avenues.
The new asset class will help curb the proliferation of unregistered investment products and provide a structured and regulated option for investors.
SEBI emphasized that the new asset class would offer a regulated and structured investment suited to investors looking for opportunities between MFs and PMS.
Investment Strategies:
Like MF schemes, the new asset class will provide options for Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP), and Systematic Transfer Plan (STP).
AMCs can offer ‘investment strategies’ under a pooled fund structure with tailored redemption frequencies (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.).
PYQ:
[2021] Indian Government Bond Yields are influenced by which of the following?
Actions of the United States Federal Reserve
Actions of the Reserve Bank of India
Inflation and short-term interest rates
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CPCB, EPR Program
Why in the News?
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has started a national audit of about 800 plastic-waste recyclers across India.
This action follows the discovery that four firms in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat issued nearly 600,000 fake certificates under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme.
About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Overview
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization established in September1974.
It was constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
CPCB is also entrusted with powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
It serves as a technical arm of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, implementing the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Principal Functions:
Water Pollution Control:
Promote the cleanliness of streams and wells in different states by preventing, controlling, and abating water pollution.
Oversee the National Water Quality Monitoring Program to collect, collate, and disseminate technical and statistical data relating to water pollution.
Air Pollution Control:
Improve the quality of air and prevent, control, or abate air pollution in the country.
Conduct air quality monitoring as part of air quality management.
Implement the National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP) to determine current air quality status and trends, regulate pollution from industries, and provide background air quality data for industrial siting and town planning.
Key Initiatives and Programs:
National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP): Established to monitor air quality status and trends, and to control and regulate industrial pollution to meet air quality standards.
National Air Quality Index (NAQI): Provides real-time air quality data and trends.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): A set of measures to be taken based on the severity of air pollution levels.
Clean Air Campaign: Initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution through public awareness and actionable measures.
Role in Data Management:
CPCB collects, collates, and disseminates technical and statistical data related to water and air pollution.
Provides necessary data for regulatory and planning purposes, including industrial siting and urban planning.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) means the responsibility of a producer for the environmentally sound management of the product until the end of its life.
India had first introduced EPR in 2011 under the:
Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
E-Waste Management and Handling Rules, 2011.
The EPR scheme requires businesses using plastic packaging to recycle a certain percentage of the plastic used in the previous two years.
Implementation of EPR:
Registration: Producers must register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and submit an EPR plan.
Collection Mechanisms: Producers set up collection centers, return schemes, or partner with authorized recyclers to manage waste.
Documentation: Producers are required to maintain detailed records of waste collected and processed and submit regular reports to the CPCB.
Compliance Audits: The CPCB conducts audits to ensure that producers comply with EPR requirements.
Every tonne of plastic recycled generates a certificate.
According to a CPCB report in May, nearly 3.7 million tonnes of recycled plastic generated certificates.
In 2022-23, about 18,000 companies using plastic packaging were registered with the CPCB, aiming to recycle about 3.3 million tonnes.
Compliance and Targets:
Companies must recycle 70% of the packaging used in the previous two financial years for 2022-23 and 100% for 2023-24. Non-compliance with these targets can result in fines.
EPR certificates are uploaded on a dedicated portal maintained by the CPCB, allowing recyclers and buyers to trade online.
PYQ:
[2019] In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?
(a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
(b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
(c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
(d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
